Accommodations and Return Specialist - Competition

Position: Accommodations and Return to Work Specialist - Competition ID: 4482
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is Canada’s only polytechnic university, proudly serving the South Fraser region for more than 40 years. With campuses in Surrey, Richmond, Langley, and Cloverdale, KPU is deeply connected to the communities it serves and to the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences of its students. Through academic excellence, applied learning, innovation, and strong industry and community partnerships, KPU prepares students for meaningful futures.

As an open-access university, KPU is powered by the people who live and work here. We believe every employee plays a meaningful role in supporting student learning and success. We are honoured to carry the name of the Kwantlen First Nation and are committed to equity, inclusion, reconciliation, and respectful relationships. As one of BC’s Top Employers, KPU is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and engaged workplace where employees feel valued, connected to purpose, and empowered to make an impact.

We invite you to explore your next career opportunity at KPU and discover how your work can contribute to a university where thought truly meets action.

Competition :  4482

Internal Closing Date:  February 18, 2026

External Closing Date:  Open Until Filled

# of Openings:  1

Salary Information:  9 – Administrative Salary Grid - $79,731 to $116,939

Employment Type:

Temporary Full Time

Workplace Type:  Hybrid

Travel Frequency:  Occasional travel between campuses is required.

Employee Group:  Administration/Management

We are currently seeking an  Accommodations and Return to Work Specialist  to join our  Health and Wellness  team!

Job Overview
Reporting to the Manager, Health and Wellness, the Accommodations and Return to Work Specialist (ARWS) plays a critical role in supporting employee well‑being and fostering inclusive, sustainable workplaces across the University.

This position provides expert leadership in employee accommodations and return‑to‑work planning, helping employees safely and meaningfully participate in work to the fullest extent possible. The ARWS works closely with employees, leaders, unions, health professionals, and insurance providers to develop thoughtful, individualized accommodation and rehabilitation plans that balance employee needs with operational requirements.

As a trusted advisor, the ARWS interprets and applies human resources policies, Collective Agreements, and Administrative Terms and Conditions, while contributing to the development and delivery of disability management programs and services. This role is well suited for a professional who is passionate about people, collaboration, and achieving positive outcomes in complex and sensitive situations.

Education And Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Occupational Health, Kinesiology or a related field;

Minimum of three years’ related experience in developing and implementing employee accommodation and disability claims management in a unionized environment;

Professional Certification or registered professional status within disability management, such as Certified Disability Management Profession (CDMP), Canadian Certified Rehabilitation Counsellor (CCRC), Accredited Rehabilitation Professional would be an asset;

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated expertise in the development, implementation, and ongoing management of employee accommodation and return-to-work plans, ensuring employees are able to safely and meaningfully participate in work.

Strong ability to collaborate with Human Resources teams to ensure accommodation and return-to-work activities align with collective agreements, benefit contracts, and organizational policies, while contributing subject‑matter expertise to related wellness initiatives.

Proven skill in partnering with Human Resources Business Partners and leaders to support effective people management practices, including navigating complex situations, addressing barriers, and guiding conversations related to accommodations and return-to-work planning.

Advanced case management capabilities, including the development, negotiation,…